Moments with the Center Partners

During one of our sharing moments I ask each one of them as to their feelings regarding their stay in Onesimo Ministry. Although most of them, even before they started working here, have already expressed their feelings towards working with the youth at risk. Nevertheless, I still initiated asking them just to confirm if their stories doesn’t change.

RICHARD

Richard, our center parent in F.Carlos used to be a full time church worker of Bagong Silang Christian Community. Since he’s married, he has to support his family. Their church is also in urban poor area, which means the financial support was very scarce. His wife income is not sufficient for them as Pre-School teacher. When he came to know Onesimo ministry, he immediately applied. I asked him why he wanted to minister in the youths here, where in fact, he is has been ministering already.

“Pas, my burden is young people, yes, I’ve been in the ministry but Onesimo is different. Youth-at-risk is unlike the young people of our community, it gives extra challenge on my commitment to God. Well, plus of course the love gift for the workers is another thing. I can support my family through this.”

I saw his struggle in his first few months in the center. But he was really determined to stay and make an impact to our clients. In the middle of struggle, he maintained his faith and commitment to God.

EDESON

Edeson, our center parent of Letre dreamt of becoming a pastor someday. He studied pastoral ministry before coming to Onesimo. Unfortunately, he stopped due to lack of funds and some personal reasons. But the passion to become a pastor were always there. He would always ask question pertaining pastoral ministry. He’s full of words, always talking and cracking jokes. When he’s around, every one of us are always laughing. Very seldom I see him silent, only if he has problem personally and if there are some pasaway clients in the center of Letre.

He really took his responsibility seriously. One time, he commented on the ministry,

“I am so thankful to God for bringing me in Onesimo. I believe it is the will of God that I’m here. He is preparing me for a bigger ministry. My patience and character are being challenge. My wisdom and creativity have been enhanced. The youths are my flock right now. Soon, these kids will tell others about Jesus.

“Every time I see changes in the kids my heart lift with joy. I have so many things to learn and I am willing to learn. God put me here as my preparation as pastor of a church someday. I hope Onesimo will always be there to help more young people. And as long as Onesimo needs me, I will always avail myself. For this is the work of God.”

NORMA

Norma is a single mother. I think this is one of her strength why she can easily relate to the girls. She is a mother herself, she understand the traits and the feelings of the girls clients. She used to study in the Bible School, but she quit because of personal reason, she said. But in terms of the passion in the ministry, its always there, she stated.

Norma was very happy when we accepted her as volunteer center parent late last year. She would always consult me and Jessa whenever she confront problems in the center. When I asked her how she feels on working with our girls, with a big smile in her face, she said,

“You know Pas? For so many years, I was looking for this kind of ministry involvement. I am not just ministering, serving God. But I can support my son financially as well. It’s very fulfilling ministry.”

Last month, I was in the office polishing a certain program when she entered the room.

“ Pas, do you mind if I sit here.”

“ No, I dont mind. If you want to do something, just go ahead” I replied.

I thought she just wanted to sit there, so I kept myself busy. A little later, she was sobbing in tears. Only then, I realized she wanted to talk to me. I left my work and face her. She told me how a certain client were trying to challenge her. She told me the story of how a client continuously disobeying the house rules despite her effort to remind and counsel the girls. She almost wanted to give up. So, I tried to comfort and assured her. I suggested some ways on how to deal with this client. We prayed together afterwards. Surprisingly, she went out happy and relaxed. In just one week, she told me that things went back to normal in the center.